car rental in sienna and pisa and exchange rate

Thank you both. So do I understand correctly that it is better to use an ATM than to take cash. Nearly all our lodging has to be paid in cash so was planning to bring a huge stash but didn't know if I should convert to Euros here or in Italy. So now it looks like I should take some cash (probably some Euros to get started) but to primarily use my ATM card . . .correct? Will check into those car rentals. We trying to decide if we can get around the hill vilages of Tuscany without renting a car . . .so darned many decisions.

You can search the board to find more detailed info, but an ATM is the easiest and best way to get cash, for larger amounts, your credit card is next best, if you need a large sum of cash (for an apartment) there are suggestions on this board. A number of major car rental agencies operate in both Pisa and Siena.

To clarify what Paul said, he means ATM's in Italy are the best place to get euros. ATM's there will accept your American debit card. Just don't forget to let your bank know you're going to Italy. It will usually save you money to book your rental cars in advance, before you leave. A lot of people on this board use consolidators like autoeurope.com, gemut.com, kemwel.com.

Myself I would bring a wad with me from home. Or at least enough to get me through the first few days. Take into account it's possible you may not find a functioning ATM right off, ATM fees and whatever your daily limit might be. If most of your lodging has to be cash I'd bring enough to cover that at least.

Not sure when you are going on your trip, but here's a few more suggestions/ideas. On our last trip, we opened up a Charles Schwab money market account which allowed us to use any ATM machine at any bank. They do not charge for ATM withdrawals. Before we left on our trip, we simply called them and they sent us the paperwork to set up the account. It really worked well. If you do not have time to set up the above account, go to your bank and increase your daily withdrawal limit. Also, remember that if you are travelling with your husband, you both can withdraw money from that same account at the same time. Your only limit will be your individual withdrawal amount for the day. In ref to car rentals, pre-arrange your rental before you leave the States. If you have a change of plans, most companies allow you to change/cancel. Some rental agencies you can check online are AutoEurope and Kemwel. You can also call Gemut to get a quote. They will generally match/beat each others prices. A GPS would be helpful along with a good Michelin map, which you could buy on this website under "Travel Store". Also, go to your local AAA office and get an International Driver's License. No test is required, but it's required, by law, in Italy. Finally, for the easiest place to pick up a car, go to the airport. So, the Pisa airport or Florence airport. Yes, it costs more; however, you will not have to maneuver all over a downtown location to find the agency. Also, it'll be a lot easier to drive out of and towards the autostrada. Most of all, have fun on your trip.

we rented a car in siena through auto europe. no problems at all. picked up in siena dropped off in chuisi. any q's let me know good luck :):)

Maria, A few points to mention regarding ATM's and other financial matters..... > In many cases, your travel funds must be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. > It's a really good idea to have a "backup" ATM card, in case there are any problems with the primary card. > It's a good idea to review your daily withdrawal limit with your Bank. > Be sure to notify your Bank that you'll be travelling in Europe, so they don't de-activate your card when they detect the change in usage patterns. > Having at least one credit card is also a good idea (you'll need it for the car rental anyway). > I agree with a previous reply that it's a good idea to carry some Euro "travelling funds" during the trip. Once you get settled in your Hotel, you can locate the nearest ATM's. > As your Hotels require cash for payment, you'll probably need to withdraw your maximum limit each day for several days. BE SURE to keep the funds in a Money Belt!!! Happy travels!

bookmarking ... I may also be renting a car in Siena so this will be useful information in a couple of months - Thanks How difficult is it to drive around Tuscany? Ive heard that it can be stressful to share the road with Italian motorists.

Chris, of all the places to drive in Italy, Tuscany may be one of the easiest. The "highways" are primarily two-lane roads and twist and turn through the countryside. Thus, it's hard to get run over by an italian driver... although I have been "passed on blind corners" by motorcycle drivers in Tuscany! There are few places I recommend a car in italy but Tuscany is certainly far more enjoyable (and accessible) by car. Make sure you get your International Driving Permit- IDP - if you'll be using a US driver's license. We've driven to Siena often and you do have to be aware of the ZTL zones. There are areas you cannot - and should not - drive into... so be careful. If you're not familiar with ZTL's, read this article about ZTL's in Rome. It perhaps can give you some insight. My wife and I love to drive in Tuscany - and often debate on who gets to drive. Sometimes those winding roads bring out the worst (or best??) in my wife! If you love driving a manual transmission, gearing down, and just plain "driving," it sure beats interstate travel in the States! And the scenery's not too bad either!